City Breaks to Christmas Markets

City breaks to Christmas Market are an ever growing popular city break holiday in Europe. The markets sell food and drink associated with the winter season along with increasing varieties of Christmas gifts. In addition there is usually a nativity scene, masses of festive lights and a huge tree.  Some have ice rinks nearby, Santa's grottos and many other attractions.  The air is scented with spices from the sweets, cakes and mulled wine.  Above all, twinkling fairy lights will create a magical Christmas experience for all the family. Furthermore, these city breaks are great for foodies! Here is a blog from our very own Mags who visited the Budapest Christmas Market! 

Mags & Teri in Budapest

Germany and Austria

Christmas Markets originated in Germany and Austria.  These markets started in the late middle ages, one of the oldest being the Dresden Christmas Market, first held in 1434.  These days there are over 250 stalls in Dresden which attract around two million visitors a year!  Likewise Vienna, has an ancient December Market dating back to 1294.  Advent usually starts with the opening of the Christmas Market. These are usually held in town squares with some markets having singing and dancing as well stalls.  From Salzburg market you can visit the nearby village of Oberndorf where the carol Silent Night was written, visit the local chapel and send cards with special Christmas stamps.

Christmas Markets by coach, train or river cruise

There are Christmas markets all over Europe and many ways to travel to them.  For instance, traditional coach holidays still operate to many countries. Another example is to visit by train or  river cruise.  Glide down the Danube or the Rhine stopping to explore cities and markets along the way.  Similarly, festive markets take place in many destinations including Avignon, Budapest, Berlin, Barcelona, Cologne, Dresden, Prague and Munich, to name a few. The markets of Copenhagen in Denmark can be combined with Tivoli Gardens amusement park where you will find an amazing display of Christmas lights, cafes and shops. If you are particularly interested in chocolate there is Belgium with its markets in Brussels and Bruges . In Krakow market, Poland, the children will enjoy nativity puppet plays in colourful portable theatres.

Ideas for Christmas Market travel

Rhine Valley

Take a five day tour in the Rhine Valley including visits to Frankfurt, Germany's oldest Christmas Market, Rudesheim Market and Koblenz Old town.  Departures are throughout November and December and include 4 nights half board hotel accommodation with coach travel from the UK. Alternatively do this tour by train or take a fly and cruise package staying on board a ship on the Rhine departing from Mainz and visiting Rudesheim, Frankfurt, Cologne and Koblenz.

Frankfurt, Christmas Market

Prague Christmas Markets

Depart on a three night escorted tour for a fairytale festive holiday in the Czech Republic .  A walking tour of Prague is included during which you will  watch the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square strike the hour with a procession of wooden figures. Furthermore, explore the Old Town and former Jewish quarter, visit the Christmas Markets or join a cruise for buffet lunch and sightseeing. Walk across the Charles Bridge to see the ancient Castle District, St Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace. There is an optional tour from here to the Dresden Christmas Market which has a wonderful traditional setting and the world's largest 'nut cracker'!

Prague, Christmas Market

Christmas Markets Cruise

If you don't want to fly, how about a Christmas Markets Cruise?  Depart from Southampton for 8 nights full board and you can visit Christmas Markets in Gothenburg (Sweden), Copenhagen Tivoli Gardens (Denmark), Hamburg (Germany) and Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Contact us on 01728 748209, use live chat or SEND AN ENQUIRY